Traveling into a major European City or even in the suburbs of a major city can be tricky and quite the challenge for the first time visit. I have always wanted and imagined what it would be like to actually visit Paris/surrounding suburbs just for a day. Would my American accent stand out, would my clothes be “couture” enough and would I even know how to meet and greet French people? After reading up on some tips I found some great information that would help not only myself but anybody traveling around and about to Paris, France. This guide is actually about a nearby attraction outside of Paris. However once you are there it will be hard to resist the many other delightful sights the city has to offer. The one destination I am going to describe is the Chateau de Versaille, perhaps the most historical landmarks outside of nearby Paris.
I first would advise that you do brush up on your French. As a traveler myself I have once engaged in learning how and when to say things in a foreign country. One must remember that the customs and culture is different from your own surroundings so it is a good idea to know some basics. For example in France you must recognize any older woman over the age of 16 as “Madame” , and this is how she would be greeted as well. Many French people have mannerisms that are somewhat aristocratic and very polished.
Another idea is that to remember that you visiting one of the most historical parts of France. There will many things to see and remember, to cherish and understand the historical aspect of your surroundings as well. Though you may have seen other great places, Chateau of Versaille is very important to French government and politics as well. If you are going to ask questions, I would advise doing so in an educated manner in which you fully know your background material. There is an abundance of artwork and great objects of affection to the French people that have been preserved in Versaille. This is an actual palace of French nobility, once throne to Louie XIV and Marie Antoinette.
Finally to say the least, I think that knowing how to get around from Versailles to other parts of the City and into Paris is very important. Paris is a very large Metropolis area, and is still annually the most visited vacation spot in the world. If you do decide to go into Paris, it is a great idea to plan ahead and think of how and when in specific time frames to do everything you want to do. For example standing in line to get into the Chateau can take hours, so you would not want to be in Paris shopping all morning, standing on your feet and still have a long wait ahead of you once you get back to Versailles. One tip is to buy your ticket to the Chateau in advance, this will also include metro tickets to and from your destinations. If you want to take a more scenic route, then the train is also an option and you can buy tickets to each destination once you have reached the Chateau de Versaille.
The marvelous gardens, the splendor of French culture and rich history of Versailles is a valuable trip for any traveler. The Chateau de Versailles will expand your mind and your knowledge on France in general. Sure, we all love to think of Paris and the twinkling lights and romantic atmosphere, the fashion and so on, but we do have to remember that even Paris would not be as it is without some historical surroundings. I think visiting Versailles would educate and hopefully make your trip to France very important and memorable as well. Bringing a French travel dictionary, perhaps some background information and your impeccable manners to the one of the most famous palaces on Earth will be a trip to cherish and respect forever.